Today we’d like to introduce you to Ines Vasquez.
Hi Ines, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
Food is community, culture, and tradition. Growing up in Guatemala, I was raised by my grandparents. Oftentimes, I saw my grandmother struggle with different diets recommended by the doctors to manage her diabetes and high blood pressure. These illnesses caused her to eventually lose her sight and pass away in 2019. When my grandmother passed away I questioned my decision to study Culinary Arts, I felt that there was more I could do with my culinary skills to help people not have to live with the same struggles my grandmother had. Working in culinary arts, I fell in love with using seasonal ingredients, connecting with farmers, and creating communities through food.
A year after my grandmother passed away and the pandemic had hit our communities; I discovered my true passion was to share food as a prevention for illnesses. While embracing the cultural differences present in my community. As a future Dietitian, I hope to share with others how different cultural foods can be nutritious as well as help to battle illnesses such as Diabetes and Hypertension. I have completed studies in Culinary Arts, Hotel and Restaurant Management, and currently, I find myself completing a Bachelor’s in Nutritional Science. While I attend school, I also have a job as a private chef for stars and celebrities and created the restaurant pop-up “Dining at Momo’s”, which focuses on sharing the beauty of Latino food and their traditions while creating a sense of community. I strongly believe that the more knowledge we have, the more we can be of help to our society.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
In 2014, I moved to the United States from Guatemala. The move came with many challenges, adapting to a new culture and language and still trying to keep our traditions and beliefs. As a first-generation college student and immigrant, I have learned that giving up is not an option. I learned to speak three languages: English, Spanish, and Italian. I have worked in sales and led groups of up to 20 people in marketing. I have experience starting businesses and working one-on-one with clients to design menus to fit their nutritional needs and personal preferences. All of my achievements and where I find myself today would not have been possible without my resilience and the support of my family members and friends.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
MOMO’s is a heartfelt homage to my grandparents, Moly and Momo, whose love for food and celebration inspired this flavorful journey. Each recipe carries their legacy, offering a taste of my heritage. I started MOMO’s with my sister Ximena. As sisters, we’re bound by our love for food, art, and culture. Our journey led us to share the comfort in the nostalgic flavors of our childhood. We’re all about celebrating life, and what better way to do that than with mouthwatering food!
We specialize in sharing Latino food with a more modern approach. At the moment, MOMO has focused on catering for films, private events, and restaurant pop-ups. We can be contacted via email through our website for more inquiries!
What do you like and dislike about the city?
Los Angeles in a very diverse city that offers a multicultural experience for all people living in or visiting this city. I have been very lucky to learn and share from different cuisines and amazing chefs from all over the world who come to LA to share their culture and traditions through food. While this city is full of amazing food, people, and views, being stuck in traffic is absolutely one of my least favorite things in LA.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.diningatmomos.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/diningatmomos/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ines-vasquez-986a35194/
Image Credits
Melisande Brie McLaughlin
